  
Five years after Ministry called it a day and split, they're back with a brand new album. “The funny thing is I didn’t even want to do another Ministry record,” Jourgensen says. “I was working on my stoner country album by Buck Satan & the 666 Shooters, and [guitarist] Mikey [Scaccia] and I started messing around with these heavy riffs just as a change of pace. And then we realized the stuff we were coming up with were totally Ministry. Mikey was like, ‘Dude, we’ve gotta do something with this. We’ve gotta make another Ministry record.’ And I went along kicking and screaming.”
Most fans are going to be over the moon at the return of Ministry. They've been sorely missed and with this new album they seem re-energised and on great form.
A few brief comments on some of the songs..
The first track on the album, "Ghouldiggers" is an attack on managers within the music industry who see artists as something to be exploited, and who are worth more after their deaths. It's Ministry all right - great metal with vitriolic thoughtful lyrics.
Al Jourgensen is never afraid to tackle controversial subjects - "Double tap" for instance is about the attack that killed Osama Bin Laden. The lyrics are paired with some great thrash riffs to make a great powerful song.
"Freefall" is relentlessly fast and powerful.
"United forces" is a cover version (the original being by S.O.D), and is features some blisteringly fast thrash as well as a slightly slower chorus.
As you'd expect from a Ministry album, there's a real feeling of anger in the music and lyrics. There is a lot of variety musically and arange of subjects covered lyrically, from the music industry to politics, the anti capitalism "occupy" movement and the military. “In the past, I’ve always been about five years ahead of the curve with my lyrics,” Jourgensen says. “This time, I think I’m right on track and in the present. These songs are about the world we live in today and ugliness of what’s out there behind our front doors.”
Ministry are back and they're as angry as ever - this is a fantastic album that I cant recommend highly enough.
Relapse is out now on AFM records.
Track listing:
1. Ghouldiggers
2. Double tap
3. Freefall
4. Kleptocracy
5. United forces
6. 99 percenters
7. Relapse
8. Weekend warrior
9. Git up out 'n' vote
10. Bloodlust |
